Most of us are confused whether hot water is better or cold water bath. Both have their benefits and drawbacks. It also depends on your age, season, your habits, diseases and so on. Here we will see the benefits of hot water bath as well as cold water bath. This will help you decide which is suitable for you.
Cold Water Bath Benefits or Advantages:
Cures depression:
Cold water is very effective for helping you get rid of depression. This is because cold water bath has the ability to increase the release of chemicals like beta-endorphins, which can fight depression.
Enhance male reproductive system:
According to studies made, cold water can increase the release of testosterones. So, it is very beneficial for improving the reproductive health in men.
Improve lung capacity:
Cold water is also said to improve the functions of your lungs.
Overcome lazyness:
Cold water bath helps in stimulating your nerve endings and makes you fresh and energetic in the morning. It is an excellent way to get rid of laziness and start your day with vigor.
Prevents infections:
By taking bath in cold water, you can fight against infections. This is because cold water bath can stimulate the immune and lymphatic systems of your body. This increases the production of cells that can fight infections.
Hot Water Bath Benefits or Advantages:
Kills most germs:
Warm temperatures are good for killing germs in a better way. So, by taking bath in hot water, you can get rid of germs that may dwell on your body, thus warding off various diseases.
Free Your Muscles:
According to studies made, hot water bath can make your muscles more flexible. It also makes some of your muscles, especially the sore muscles, relaxed.
Stop Diabetes
A hot water bath has the power to reduce the sugar levels in your body. So, by taking hot water bath your risk of suffering from diabetes is reduced.
Keeps cough and cold at bay:
Hot water bath is very effective when you suffer from cough and cold. This is because the steam from the hot water helps in de-congesting your nose and throat, thus making the airways clear.
How to choose between cold and hot water baths according to ayurveda?
According to ayurveda, you have to use cold water to wash your head because hot water is not good for your eyes and hair. For washing your body you have to use hot water. The temperature of water you use to take bath depends on the following factors as suggested by ayurveda:
Based on age:
Young people can also bath in cold water. However, old people and youngsters are suggested to bathe with hot water. If you are a student and want to spend more time on studies, you can bathe in cold water also.
Based on body type:
If your body type is pitta, cold water bath is better for you. If your body type is kapha or vata, you are advised to take bath with hot water.
Based on diseases:
If you are suffering from indigestion, liver disorders or any other pitta related diseases, then cold water bath is more suitable for you. If you are suffering from kapha or vata related problems, you need a hot water bath. On the other hand, if you are suffering from epilepsy, you should not take hot water bath or cold water bath. Instead, you have to take bath in lukewarm water.
Based on your habits:
For those who do daily workouts, hot water bath is suggested.
Based on what time you bath:
If you have a habit of bathing in the morning, you can take bath in cold water. If you are bathing at night, then you should have hot water bath. This makes you feel relaxed. Since vata dominates evening times, it is better to take bath in hot water.
Bathing According to Ayurveda:
Ayurveda says that “A hurried bath is similar to hurried food, and your body does not reap all the benefits and get cleansed properly if you rush bathing”. So, you need to enjoy your bath and should not be in a hurry. To become refreshed, proper bathing experience is needed.
You should follow the process of bathing slowly so that each and every part of your body is washed with water. Given below is the proper way to bath as suggested by ayurveda:
- Avoid cleaning your body with the soap that you buy from the market. They contain chemicals, which are easily absorbed by the skin.
- Although it is suggested that you should not rush while bathing, taking too much time for bathing is also not good. For better hygiene, it is recommended that you take bath twice a day.
- Giving a good oil massage to your body before you take bath is very beneficial for the body. You can use mustard oil or sesame oil for massaging your body. It can revitalize the muscles and make the texture of your skin better.
- If you are having cold water bath, you should start from the head to toe.
- On the other hand, if you are taking hot water bath, you should first wash your toes and then move up to the head.
- Start your bathing by first washing your hands and feet.
- You can add a few neem leaves to the water in which you take bath. Leave it for some time and then bath with this water. This is very beneficial for your skin and makes your skin healthy and germ free.
So, now that you have seen the benefits of cold water bath and hot water bath, you can decide which is best for you.
